Don Mischer has quit the CBS telecast because he has to start devoting his time to producing NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Mischer notified CBS and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences late Thursday that he would be forced to leave the show.

“We’re only 15 weeks away from the opening ceremonies on Feb. 8, and while we regret not staying the course with the Emmys, which we have always been proud to producer, we must now concentrate on the Olympics,” Mischer said in a statement.

“The opening ceremonies in Salt Lake City will be the first opportunity since the War on Terrorism began for a worldwide gathering of countries, and it’s a very high-profile event that is important to our country and the world.”

Mischer says he will act as a consultant when the Emmys are finally rescheduled.

CBS originally planned on airing the Emmycast on Sunday, Sept. 16 – five days after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The show was rescheduled for Oct. 7, but was once again cancelled when the U.S. launched air strikes on Afghanistan.

Since then, rumors have circulated that CBS is thinking of staging the show at a military facility or in a hotel – although no decision has yet been reached.

There has also been some talk of downplaying the awards ceremony and giving the awards out during a low-key luncheon.